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Class Ell* 3 
Book. v93^ 









REMINISCENCES 



- '4 



REVOLUTION, 



OK, 



LE LOUP'S BLOODY TRAIL 



SALEM TO FORT EDWARD. 



IO"5T ARTHUR R.BID. 



UTICA : 

ROBERTS. BOOK & JOB PRINTER, 60 GENESEE STREET. 
1S59. 



H 



/ 5 }P 

REMINISCENCES 



OP THE 



3 / ' 



REVOLUTION; 



LE LOUP'S BLOODY TRAIL 



SALEM TO FORT EDWARD. 



BY ARTHUR REID. 



UTIC A : 

ROBERTS, BOOK & JOB PRINTER, HERALD OFFICE, 60 GENESEE STREET. 
1859. 



F 



F> R E W JL C E 



In the month of March last, a sketch appeared in the Sakm 
Press, entitled, " Reminiscences of the Revolution." Since 
the appearance of these " Reminiscences," our friends have 
represented them as containing historical facts worthy of pres- 
ervation, and have intimated a desire to have them published 
in a more permanent form. In view of the foregoing solicita- 
tion, and in consequence of the seeming demand for this 
reminisccntial article, and in consideration of the perishable 
nature of the columns of a newspaper, we have concluded to put 
the work in a "pamphlet form, with some alterations and addi- 
tions. 

Without any further prefatory remarks, the following pagC3 
arc submitted to the public, hoping that they may awaken in 
the minds, of some at least, a spirit of thankfulness and grati- 
tude for the great change that has taken place since the days 
of the Revolution, — " the days that tried men's souls." 



ARTHUR REID. 



South Aroyle, Washington Co.. N. Y., October 1. 1859. 

//6 I 



REMINISCENCES OF THE REVOLUTION, 



It cannot but be interesting and profitable to contrast the present 
condition of this country, with what it was in its early settlement, when 
our forefathers had to encounter so many difficulties and toils and trials 
and privations. Now we are seated by our firesides in the enjoyment 
not only of the necessaries, but of the luxuries of life ; not only of 
civil, but religious liberty — alike free from internal commotions and for- 
eign invasions. The wigwam and the log cabin have turned into com- 
modious and comfortable dwellings. The hunting shout of the Iudiun 
has died away upon the breeze, but he has left his wild, poetic names 
indelibly impressed upon land and water. The tomahawk anl scalping 
knife have changed into implements of husbandry and usefulness. — 
The Indian coin — beads and shells — has turned into gold and silver cur- 
rency. The fragile birchen canoe, skimming the crested wave, has been 
supplanted by the gallant steamer, plowing deep the majestic rivers and 
lakes, and anon, riding triumphantly the briny crescent wave. The cir- 
cuitous, ambushed Indian path has turned into the scientific iron path- 
way, upon which the iron horse, puffing and blowing, travels at a fearful 
pace, his whole system wrought up to the highest pitch of excitement, 
his veins distended with boiling liquid, his heart composed of glowin°- 
coals, onward he rushes breathing fire and smoke; anon, he stops to 
slake his thirst, and behemoth like, "drinketh up a river," and like the 
overgrown mastodon, devours the trunks of trees to appease his hunger 
— refreshed, '' like a strong man to run a race," he springs forward, 
"rejoicing in the greatness of his strength." The howling of the wild 
beasts of the forest is changed into the neighing and lowing of domes- 
ticated animals. The red man's wild halloo, echoing and re-echoing 
along the hills, is changed into the scream of the steam whistle of the 
locomotive, reverberating from the mountain sides. The dense forests 
have been turned into fruitful fields ; the war whoop of the Indian has 
been changed into the proclamation of peace and tranquility ; and the 
horrid and terrific yell of the savage, into the din of civilization. 

Incidents of the Revolution must be interesting to every American 
citizen, and particularly so to the surviving friends and relatives of those 



immediately connected with such incidents, as well as those now resid- 
ing in the vicinity where such incidents occurred. 

It is perhaps worth while to rescue from oblivion the following reli- 
able reminiscences of the Revolution, which I had from various sources, 
but particularly from the lips of my aged aunt, (lately deceased,) who 
was eight years of age at the time these incidents transpired — a time of 
life in which the memory is in full vigor. The impressions then made 
are vivid and lasting. The accumulating cares and toils and sorrows of 
after life can never eradicate them. And even in old age, when the 
mind is incapacitated for receiving new impressions — when the passing 
events of the day are soon obliterated, and leave scarcely a trace upon 
the mind— incidents, even the most minute connected with youth, or 
even childhood, arc recalled without any apparent effort, with vivid and 
startling accuracy. The human mind being thus constituted, early re- 
collections may be received as reliable information, and may be record- 
ed as such on the historic page. 

In the latter part of the summer of 1777, a scouting party of In- 
dians, consisting of eight persons, received an injury, or a supposed injury, 
from some white persons at New Perth, now Salem, Washington County, 
New York, for which they were determined to have revenge. 

But little more than a year had then elapsed since the birthday of the 
Empire in which we live, — an eventful period in the history of our coun- 
try. The colonists had made many unsuccessful attempts to obtain a 
redress of grievances, and at the same time protested their unabating 
attachment to the mother country, and a willingness, notwithstanding all 
that had passed, still to be dutiful and obedient subjects, on condition 
certain odious acts of the British Parliament were repealed. But when 
all hopes of effecting a reconciliation vanished, they then openly and 
avowedly asserted their rights in the very face of the tyranny and op- 
pression of the mother country, and proceeded to dissolve all their al- 
legiance to the British Crown, and to declare themselves free and inde- 
pendent, and, in their weak and infantile condition, were determined to 
make a desperate struggle in order to obtain a name and place among 
the nations of the earth ; whilst, on the other hand, the mother country 
was equally determined to exert her every energy to bring into dutiful 
subjection her disobedient and refractory offspring, and make her suc- 
cumb to her parental authority, and to crush every effort that was made 
to set up an Independent Government. One of the measures resorted 
to in order to intimidate and terrify those who dared to make resistance 
to her authority, was the adoption of the cruel and mistaken policy of 
forming an unnatural and culpable alliance with the treacherous and 
bloodthirsty American savages. The consequence was, that bands of 



these merciless marauders were scouring the country, committing dep- 
redations and spreading dismay and terror among the scattered settlers. 

At the above date, the inhabitants of New Perth and vicinity had 
erected a temporary fort to which they resorted, especially at night, for 
protection. The inmates of this fort, observing the scouting party of 
Indians above alluded to, prowling around, fired upon them from the fort, 
and killed one of their number, at which the seven surviving Indians 
were exceedingly exasperated. With a spirit of revenge rankling in their 
bosoms, they swore, according to their custom, that for the blood of 
their comrade they would exact the blood and scalps of the first white 
family that came in their way, as a plenary, expiatory sacrifice. This 
oath was taken in the presence of a white man, a prisoner then iu their 
possession. Who this prisoner was, where he resided, how, where, and 
when, they became in possession of him, is not now known ; to each 
of these inquiries history is silent — and all that is known of his future 
history will appear in the sequel. 

The party of Indians alluded to,, was a part of a large body, who had 
assembled, according to previous arrangements, at the place where the 
invading army, under General Burgoyne, was then encamped, which 
was on the banks of the Boquet — a romantic and picturesque little river 
upon the west bank of Lake Champlain, and not far distant in a north- 
erly direction from Crown Point. In order to inspire the savages with 
courage, Gen. Burgoyne considered it expedient, in compliance with 
their custom, to give them a war feast, at which they performed many 
rites and ceremonies peculiar to themselves, indulging in the most ex- 
travagant manoeuvers, gesticulations, and exulting vociferations, such as 
lying in ambush and displaying their rude armorial devices, and dancing 
and whooping and yelling and brandishing their tomahawks and scalping 
knives. Such barbarous conduct preparatory to engaging in war, must 
have been looked upon by the assembled civilized troops with suspicion 
and disgust. 

It ought to be stated, in justice to Gen. Burgoyne, that he was in senti- 
ment opposed to entering into an alliance with the treacherous savages. 
He had been in the country long enough to learn something of the 
character and disposition of the Indians, and from the knowledge he had 
acquired of their unreliableness, he was led into the belief that their 
presence would be a hindrance instead of a help, and he was confirmed 
in this belief by after bitter experience. The achievement of splendid 
victories was marred by their inhuman and barbarous conduct, and in 
the hour of need they basely deserted him. But Burgoyne being am- 
bitious of military preferment, and desirous that his name should go 
down to posterity covered with military glory, yielded to the positive 



6 

instructions of the British ministry, which were to form an alliance with 
the Indians — a policy cruel and unjustifiable — a policy that redounded 
to their own confusion. 

After the war feast was over, Gen. Burgoyne, attired in splendid uni- 
form, assembled his dusky auxiliaries, and, in a dignified manner, made 
a speech to them distinguished for its ingenuity and singular energy. — 
He endeavored to explain to them the cause and nature of the war — 
that it was not a war waged against a common enemy — that there were 
many in the country that adhered with unabated faithfulness to the mo- 
ther country — that there was an intermixture of friends and foes — and 
that they must discriminate between those that were friendly to the 
British Crown, and those that were not. He strictly charged them to 
put none to death excepting those who actually opposed them with wea- 
pons of warfare in their hands, and that they might scalp those, and those 
only, whom they had fairly slain in battle. He was willing to indulge 
them thus far in the great honor they had affixed to these barbarous 
badges of victory. But he strictly enjoined them to spare the lives of 
old men, women, children and prisoners, under every possible circum- 
stance. He forbade them, under any pretext whatever, to scalp the 
wounded, or even the dying — and pronounced it still more unpardonable, 
if possible, to kill the wounded, in order to evade the injunction. He 
promised to reward them liberally for every prisoner they captured and 
brought into the camp. He profusely bestowed upon them flattering 
commendations of their previous conduct ; and finally, he charged them 
to — " Go forth in the might of your valor and your cause ; strike at the 
common enemies of Great Britain and of America — disturbers of pub- 
lic order, peace and happiness — destroyers of commerce — parricides of 
the State." 

When Burgoyne had concluded his elaborate speech, a chieftain of 
the Iroquois, whose name was Le Loup, and who was the chief of the 
scouting party of Indians alluded to above, arose in a dignified manner, 
and with an easy repose of limbs, to reply, not only in behalf of his 
own tribe, but also of the other Indian tribes present. After taking a 
brief survey of the troops and his fellow-warriors, he stretched forth 
his hand and spoke as follows : 

" I stand up in the name of all the nations present, to assure our fa- 
ther that we have attentively listened to his discourse. We receive you 
as our father, because when you speak we hear the voice of our great 
father beyond the great lake. We rejoice in the approbation you have 
expressed of our behavior. We have been tried and tempted by the 
Bostonians (meaning the Patriots) ; but we loved our father, and our 
hatchets have been sharpened upon our affections. In proof of the 



sincerity of our professions, our whole villages able to go to war, are 
come forth. The old and infirm, our infants and wives, alone remain 
at home. With one common assent, we promise a constant obedience 
to all you have ordered and all you shall order ; and may the Father of 
Days give you many and success !" 

This Iroquois chieftain was distinguished for his insatiable thirst for 
blood and plunder, in consequence of which " the followers of Montcalm 
had appropriately bestowed upon him the appellation of ' Le Loup' — the 
wolf 7" He was so named in consequence of possessing so many points 
of resemblance to that rapacious, crafty, bold and warlike animal. It 
is well known that wolves go in packs, and it is said they always select 
the most bold and ferocious of their pack for a chief or leader ; in like 
manner, his tribe had chosen Le Loup, inasmuch as he was the most 
bold and ferocious of their number, for a chief or leader. He manifest- 
ed his boldness and forwardness in volunteering to speak in behalf of 
his own tribe, and the other tribes present. In his reply to Burgoyne, 
he fairly promised a constant obedience to all the orders he had given, 
and that he might think proper to give, but his wolfish disposition was 
concealed underneath "sheep's clothing." 

It was on the 21st of June that these scenes were enacted at the 
Boquet ; and it was before leaving this vicinity that Burgoyne issued 
a manifesto, rampant with pomposity and exaggeration. He prefaced 
this remarkable manifesto by enumerating all the numerous titles and 
offices he held, both in America and Great Britain, in order to gratify 
his vanity, and overawe the Americans by his many high-sounding titles. 
He invited all well-disposed persons to assist in putting an end to the 
existing disgraceful rebellion. He promised protection and security to 
all those who remained neutral, and to those who quietly pursued their 
occupations. He promised that all those who would furnish the camp 
with necessary provisions should be amply rewarded. But to those who 
offered rcsistance,and obstinately persisted in rebellion, a terrible war 
awaited them. He magnified the strength of the British armies and 
fleets, and greatly exaggerated the number of Indians under his direc- 
tion. He represented that thousands of these ferocious warriors were 
under his control, and that they were eager to be let loose upon the en- 
emies of Great Britain and America, and that it would be the height of 
madness and folly to attempt resistance, as there could be no escaping 
the penetrating search of the Indians. He had only to say the word, 
and the keen-scented savages, like trained blood-hounds, would pene- 
trate the most distant and deep recesses of the forest. No covert, how- 
ever recluse, could screen from their pursuit — even the subterraneous 
caverns could not escape their scrutinizing search. 



8 

Copies of this proclamation were scattered broadcast in all directions. 
The loyalists, who remained at home, quietly pursuing their occupa- 
tions, rested in comparative security from the depredations of the In- 
dians, relying upon Burgoyne's promised protection ; and some, in order 
to render themselves still more secure, took precaution to obtain a writ- 
ten protection. 

Burgoyne endeavored to render the Indians an object of terror, and, 
by exhibiting them in their hideousness and ferociousness, to frighten 
the rebels into submission ; whilst, on the other hand, he attempted to 
mitigate their natural ferocity and rapacity, and from the fair promi- 
ses he had received from them, he was credulous enough to believe 
that he had accomplished his end. ..But, alas ! all the fair promises he 
had received from them were as fleeting as the morning dew. " As 
soon as their nostrils snuffed the first scent of blood," like a pack of 
hungry wolves, all their natural ferocity was aroused. 

Burgoyne was more and more convinced of the cruel and mistaken 
policy of forming an alliance with the savages. As the invading army 
moved along towards its destination, he found it impossible to maintain 
anything like military order among his swarthy auxiliaries. He could 
not prevent them from wandering from the main body of the army, in 
small parties, in all directions, plundering and massacring indiscriminate- 
ly both friends and foes ; even a written protection from Burgoyne was 
generally disregarded. Often royalists and republicans were compelled 
to flee in dismay before the tomahawks, and scalping-knives, and ter- 
rific yells of the savages. 

About a month after the above date, we find Le Loup and his party 
in the vicinity of Salem, as before related. Although more than three- 
fourths of a century have elapsed since that time, and although all the 
busy actors of the stirring scenes of the Revolution have passed from 
off the stage of time, yet may the bloody trail of these fierce maraud- 
ers still be traced. 

Accordingly Le Loup and his baud started from Salem, en route to 
the place where the van of the invading army, under Gen. Burgoyne, 
was then encamped, which was about four miles north of Fort Edward, 
with a full determination of massacring and scalping the first white fa- 
mily that came in their way. 

My grandfather's family was the first that came in the Indian's way 
on their direct route from Salem to the encampment. At that epoch, 
the country was exceedingly sparsely settled. The margins of streams 
and lakes were dotted here and there by small clearings — the vast in- 
tervening wilderness was almost entirely uninhabited, except by the In- 
dians and the wild beasts of the forest. At that time a few families 



9 

bad settled along the right bank of tbe On-da-wa, now Batten Kill, be- 
tween what is now called Fitch's Point and the bend of the Kill, about 
two miles north of Battenville. The Indians passed north of this set- 
tlement. 

My grandfather's family consisted of six persons, viz : — the parents 
and four children, the eldest of whom was ten, and the youngest four 
years of age. 

As most of the following reminiscences have been gathered in tbe 
township of Argyle, and the present County of Washington, then Char- 
lotte, formerly Albany County, it might not be uninteresting to our 
readers to give a brief historical outline of said Township and County. 

Albany County took its name Sept. 24th, 1664. It was one of the 
original Counties, and erected by a law of the first legislature ever held 
in the colony of New York, which was Nov. 1st, 1683. It has since 
been divided into 48 counties, which embrace something like nine-tenths 
of the territory of the whole State, and also the counties of Cumber- 
land and Gloucester, now belonging to Vermont, which was ceded to 
that State Oct. 7th, 1790. March 12th, 1772, the county, by the name 
of Charlotte, was erected by law ; it then embraced the territories of 
the present Washington and Warren counties. In the year 1784, 
April 2d, its name was altered from Charlotte to Washington, in honor 
of General Washington for the military achievements he had performed 
during the Revolutionary struggle. By an act of the Legislature, pass- 
ed March 12th, 1813, Washington County was divided — the part lying 
west of Lake George was erected jnto a county by the name of War- 
ren, and the part lying south and east retained the name of Washington. 

The township of Argyle was organized in the year 1771. It then 
embraced not only tbe territory of the present township of Argyle, but 
also that of Greenwich and Fort Edward. Duncan Campbell was Su- 
pervisor the first ten years of its existence. By an act of the Legisla- 
ture, passed April 12th, 1813, the south part of the township of Ar- 
gyle was erected by law into a township by the name of Greenwich, the 
north part retaining its original name. In tbe year 1818 the west part 
of the township of Argyle was set apart into a to.vnship called Fort Ed- 
ward, the east part retaining the name of Argyle. The original town- 
ship of Argyle was composed of several patents, the largest of which 
was the Scotch or Argyle patent, from which the township derived its 
name. Originally the Argyle or Scotch patent was a grant of land 
made by George III. to the Duke of Argyle, of Scotland, and by the 
Duke of Argyle to 107 persons, emigrants from Scotland, with Capt. 
Laughlin Campbell, in the year 1738, 1739 and 1740 ; and surveyed in 
the year 1764 by Messrs. Archibald Campbell and Christopher Yates, 



10 

containing 47,700 acres of land. Through the centre of this patent a 
strip of land, 24 rods wide, running east and west, was laid out, and 
called " the Street." On both sides of the street 141 town lots were 
laid out — in length from north to south 180 rods, and varying in width. 
The remainder of the patent, north and south of the town lots, was laid 
out into the same number (141) of farm lots, varying in size from 200 
to 600 acres. Each farm lot had a town lot belonging to it, with a cor- 
responding number, and containing 10 acres for every 100 acres con- 
tained in the farm lot. 

The original design in thus laying out the patent was to give the gran- 
tees an opportunity of erecting their dwellings on the town lots near to 
and fronting the street ; thus affording a mutual protection from the 
wild beasts and Indians ; and when the country was more cleared up, to 
have the parts of the town lots lying back, laid out into gardens and 
parks and lawns, and the farm lots lying back, to be used for agricultu- 
ral purposes, and the street to be used as a thoroughfare. 

The practicability of such an arrangement might look very feasible, 
plotted on a smooth surface ; but the experienced backwoodsman would 
at once see the utter impracticability of carrying out such a plan, espe- 
cially in a heavy-timbered, uneven country ; and he might feel disposed 
to look upon it as tinctured with Scottish aristocratic simplicity. 

The present township of Argyle lies wholly within the Argyle patent, 
and also a part of Greenwich, and a small part of Fort Edward. My 
grandfather, Duncan McArthur, was one of the grantees of the Scotch 
patent, and drew town and farm lots mumbercd 44. In the year 1765, 
he erected a rude dwelling on the farm lot, and moved his family into 
the same. About the year 1775, he erected a more permanent and 
commodious dwelling. It was in this building that the family resided 
at the time of the intended massacre. It was situated on the south-east 
corner of the present township of Argyle, and about eight miles westerly 
from Salem, and about one mile in the same direction from Lakeville. 
The house was built of hewed white pine logs, 7 by 16 inches, notched 
at the ends, so that the under and upper edge of each log touched the 
edges of the logs below and above. Its size was 20 by 24 feet, with five 
pine beams, 7 by 12 inches, running the long way of the house. On 
the east side of the house stood a huge stone chimney, with an ample 
capacity for the reception of fuel. The durability of the logs of which 
this house was composed may be gathered from the fact that they are 
still in use. Last year the logs were put together for the fourth time, 
near the place where the house was first erected. 

On the south side of the house flowed a clear, cool stream — the prin- 
cipal tributary of the Cossayuna Lake — and the outlet of what may be 



11 

called the Argyle Lake, as it is the only lake lying wholly in the present 
township of Argyle. In this stream abounded the spotted trout, darting 
from their places of concealment, and seizing some unwary insect, and 
quickly retiring with their prey to some favorite place of retreat. On 
either side of this stream, and for several miles around, stood dense 
forests covered with thick foliage, interspersed with the ever green pine, 
rearing their towering tops high above the other trees of the forest, — 

" Whose living towers the years conspired to build ; 
Whose giddy tops the morning loved to gild." 

About two miles in a northwesterly direction from my ancestral abode, 
was situated the Argyle Lake, occupying an elevated position, and dis- 
tinguished for the picturesque scenery with which it was surrounded. 
It was circumscribed by a range of hills, the sloping sides of which were 
covered with thick foliage, which reflected from the waters' smooth sur- 
face a brilliant green hue. At its southern extremity there was a recess, 
through which its surplus water passed off, winding along through nar- 
row defiles and deep morasses, accumulating, as it meandered along, 
from gurgling springs, gushing from their deep, cool recesses. Opposite 
the house, there was a fall of some fifteen feet, over the craggy rocks of 
which, the water went seething and foaming and tumbling, and then 
rippling and murmuring and meandering its way some half a mile, and 
mixing with the waters of Cossayuna Lake. 

Towards the rising sun, not far distant, lay the placid, sparkling 
waters of the Cossayuna Lake, girt about by luxuriant forest trees, 
standing up to the waters' edge on its zigzag shore, reflecting every 
overhanging branch and leaf from its polished surface. Toward the 
northern extremity of the Lake was situated a picturesque island, beau- 
fully rounded from its oblong base. The island contains something like 
ten acres of land, its length being about seventy rods, and its greatest 
width about one third that distance, and its greatest elevation above the 
surface of the Lake, about sixty feet. In form, it resembles an inverted 
boat. It would seem as if the beneficent hand of nature had intended 
its form as a hint to the artist, as the most suitable shape for a boat that 
would ride the most successfully the swelling wave — for it must be 
acknowledged that the works of art, as respects both beauty and utility, 
arc but a transcript from some of nature's works. But the kind hand of 
nature might have had an additional object in view in the formation of 
this beautifully proportioned island — in this finishing touch to the Cos- 
sayuna Lake. It might have been intended as an elevation whereon 
the spectator might stand, and view and admire the surrounding scenery, 
and acknowledge the superiority of the works of nature over those of 



12 

art. At the present time, in the vicinity of this island, accommodations 
have been made for the reception of fishing and pleasure parties, who 
congregate thither as a place of fashionable resort. But to return to 
the habitation where dwelt the victims of the intended massacre. 

To the humble occupants of the dwelling, nothing was to be seen but 
the sole productions of an All-Wise Creator. The works of nature 
remained untouched by the hand of art ; they were led to look up from 
nature's works to nature's God for protection. The waving, somber 
forests presented a scene of melancholy grandeur. The thick over- 
hanging foliage, and the accumulated droppings of the autumnal leaves 
for many a century, had effectually prevented the sun from warming 
the deep, rich soil lying underneath. No woodman's axe had felled the 
majestic monuments of nature's spontaneous productions, excepting a 
few rods around the house. An almost melancholy stillness pervaded 
the surrounding scenery — no resounding of the husbandman's flail, or 
hum of the threshing machine ; no rattling of carriage wheels, or rum- 
bling of railway cars ; no shrill blast of the steam-whistle of the loco- 
motive was to be heard. 

Silence reigned ; broken it may have been by the fluttering of the 
feathered tribe among the branches of trees, or by their woodwild notes 
of dulcet melody ; or by the chattering of the squirrel, with which the 
woodland abounded ; or by the rustling of the timid, frightened, panting 
deer, leaping among the thickets ; or by the monotonous roar of the 
adjacent waterfall ; or by the dismal howling of the wild beasts of prey; 
or by the still more dismal yell of the savage ; or, when the air became 
surcharged with moisture, by the vivid lightning's flash, succeeded by 
the thunder's deep-toned roar. 

The house stood in the center of an open sunny space, surrounded on 
every side by exquisite woodland scenery. And toward the Cossayuna 
Lake and southward, forming a semicircle, the great pine forest 
stretched itself over the earth ; and underneath its dark green drapery, 
its aromatic, delicate sheddings were profusely scattered on the ground, 
intermingling and contrasting with the droppings of the hard-wood, 
broad-leafed forest trees. Hundreds of gigantic oaks, that had been 
perhaps centuries maturing, stood in the forest, throwing out their 
gnarled arms and antling branches over the red man's path, and had 
perhaps witnessed his dusky form pass and repass for centuries ; on the 
bodies of which trees were left scars from the blade of the tomahawk, 
hurled by the young Indian warrior, with unerring precision, at some 
burl or moss spot on their sturdy trunks. 

As the Indians approached the clearing upon which the dwelling stood, 
they halted in an opening in the forest, according to their custom, in 



13 

order to make preparations for executing their fiendish design. They 
examined their implements of warfare ; they looked at the powder with 
which their fire-arms were loaded ; they picked their gun-flints ; they 
sharpened their tomahawks and scalping knives, and returned their 
gleaming hlados into sockets prepared for their reception, in broad 
leathern belts around their swarthy waists, to be drawn the instant they 
were needed ; they put their ammunition in the most convenient place 
for momentary use. After partaking of a hasty repast — the material of 
which was a fruit of their plunder — they painted in spots their faces, 
necks and shoulders, with a thick coat of Vermillion, and arrayed them- 
selves with their customary ornaments of warfare. Thus, the naturally 
savage and ferocious appearance of the Indian, was greatly enhanced by 
the artificial means studiously employed by them, in order to make 
themselves appear more hideous and terrific to their enemies. Nature 
and art being thus combined in producing the ferocious and terrifying 
appearance of the savage, this appearance needs only to be accompanied 
by his characteristic yell — so much dreaded by the early settlers — to 
strike terror to the bravest spirit, and to make the stoutest heart quail. 
All things being now ready for the expected conflict, the munitions of 
war having been put in the best possible order, Le Loup and his party 
moved slowly forward with stealthy steps to the very edge of the forest, 
and again halted in order to take a survey of the premises around the 
house, and to mature a particular plan of attack. They were particu- 
larly cautious not to expose themselves to a view from the house, con- 
cealing themselves behind the trunks of trees, and cautiously peeking 
through small interstices in the foliage. After having made as thorough 
an examination of the house and its surroundings, as the circumstances 
would admit, they retired a short distance, and assembled in council. 

It was so ordered by the overruling hand of Providence, that on that 
very day, an unusual occurrence, two men from a distant neighborhood, 
were assisting my grandfather in harnessing and breaking a young horse. 
The Indians, on discovering three men about the premises, were not a 
little disconcerted. They were still more intimidated on discovering 
what they took to be three dwellings on the place. The temporary 
dwelling that my grandfather had first erected was still standing, and 
also a rude barn erected about the same time, making three buildings 
on the place, with the one the family lived in. The Indians were led 
into the belief that each of these buildings was occupied by a distinct 
family, from the fact of there being three men about the place. They 
hesitated about making an assault upon the house. Accordingly, they 
convened a council to take into consideration the practicability of carry- 
ing out their premeditated plan. The members of the council were 



14 

divided on the subject. Lo Loup, the wolf, on this occasion disrobed 
himself of the garment of " sheep's clothing," with which he was attired 
when he made his celebrated speech at the Boquet, and assumed his 
true character. His wolfship arose in the council chamber, and spoke, 
with characteristic Indian eloquence, as follows : 

"Warriors — the pale man's bullet has stricken down one of our 
number ; our brother's seat in this council is vacant ; his voice ia 
forever hushed into silence ; his spirit has departed to the realms of the 
red man's immortality — his body to the bosom of the mother earth ; 
no more can we together in the same path chase the panting deer — no 
more together in the same canoe skim the foaming wave. Warriors, 
let us avenge our brother's blood ; let us be true to the oath we have 
taken, and called the Great Spirit to witness ; let us not be frightened 
at the appearance of three pale faces around the wigwams; the more 
scalps the more glory ; let us carry them off in triumph to the red coats' 
camp. 

" Brothers, the white man is our enemy : he has wronged us — de- 
ceived us. When he first came over the big waters he was weak and 
small — not so high as our knee ; we were strong and large ; we had 
extensive hunting grounds ; we were friendly with the pale stranger ; 
we smoked the calumet with him ; we nourished and cherished him ; we 
shared our venison and our succotash with him ; we let him warm himself 
by our fires, and lay down on our bear skins, and hunt on our hunting 
grounds ; he grew — he waxed stronger and stronger, and, like a spoiled 
pappoose, he lifted up his hand against us; he gave our fathers fire- 
water to drink ; they drank, and became drunk ; they knew not what 
they did ; they gave the pale intruder paper titles to our hunting 
grounds for mere trinkets. Brothers, the forest trees upon our hunting 
grounds are falling rapidly before the pale man's axe ; he has put out 
our fires on many a hill and dale ; his saw-mills are disturbing our fishing 
places; his plow is on our hunting grounds; his feet are trampling on 
our father's bones. 

" Brothers, the pale intruder is not satisfied ; he is striving to spread 
his paper titles all over our hunting grounds ; and if the Indian does not 
look out for himself, before many moons shall have passed over his 
head, he will not have a place left, upon which he can spread his blanket. 
Brothers, we have received a fresh wrong ; the pale faces have insulted 
us ; Jet us not hesitate. Up! warriors, up ! let us without delay avenge 
our brother's blood." 

When Le Loup had concluded his inflammatory speech, observing 
that other members of the council wished to speak, he slowly resumed 



15 

his seat. A warrior arose in his place, more cautious and less courage- 
ous, and spoke to the following effect : 

" Warriors, our brother has spoken. I have listened to him atten- 
tively. His words are big with danger. None of you can feel more 
keenly the loss of our comrade than I do. I am borne down with grief. 
Anguish of spirit hath taken hold of me. A thirst for vengeance glows 
in my bosom with excessive ardor. My thoughts go back unbidden to 
the death scene of our brother. The scene is still before my eyes ; the 
blood gushing profusely from the bullet wound ; the imploring look ; the 
ghastly countenance ; the quivering lip ; the clammy sweat ; the ago- 
nies and contortions ; the death gasp ; the last struggle ; the interment 
of his remains in yon grassy mound, underneath yon big tree top, among 
the branches of which the wild wind moans dolefully, but he hcareth it 
not ; the pale man's feet may be trampling on his new made grave, but 
he hcedcth it not. 

" Brothers, truly the white man is our enemy, both on this side and 
the other side of the big waters; on the other side of the big waters, 
the great Chiefs children tell us that the pale faces on this side will 
cheat us ; and the pale faces on this side tell us that the King's chil- 
dren, from the other side will cheat us. We must not trust to the one 
or the other. The Indians must look out for themselves. Brothers, I 
understand not upon what right the pale intruders arc spreading their 
paper titles upon our hunting grounds. How could our fathers give 
away that which the Great Spirit has given us to live upon. Wo de- 
rived our title from the Great Spirit. These hunting grounds are ours. 
Brothers, I am in favor of avenging our wrongs, but let us take care 
not to rush thoughtlessly and heedlessly into danger. What meaueth 
those three pale faces about the place ? What meaneth those three 
wigwams ? In those three wigwams there may be three families. They 
may outnumber us. They may be stronger than we. They may have 
guns at their command. They may see us as we step from the forest. 
They may shoot at us through loop-holes in their wigwams. Their bul- 
lets may fall fast around us. In our eagerness to avenge our brother's 
blood we may fall a sacrifice to our rashness. Let us pause before wo 
rush into danger. Brothers, our prisoner weakens our force. We could 
not trust him to fight for us. One of us would have to guard him. — 
Otherwise he might escape, or turn and fight against us. The remain- 
ing six of us would have to do the fighting. The three families might 
number twice as many as we. Brothers, let us act cautiously. We 
know not the enemy we would have to meet. Why should we endanger 
our lives ? What necessity calls us to rush into the presence of an en- 
emy, whose strength we know not ? Brothers, let us turn aside and 



16 

pass on. Let us take revenge on the nest family. Let us avenge our 
brother's blood where it can be done in safety." 

Thu3 spake the warriors, and after the question of attack was fully 
discussed pro and con in the council chamber, the argument in relation 
to the probability of there being three families on the premises, had 
the preponderance. It caused them to hesitate ; and finally to aban- 
don the undertaking. 

Thus, by the interposition of a kind Providence, a family was saved 
from a fearful doom. If the overruling hand of Providence had not 
directed the footsteps of the two men thither, undoubtedly, the family 
would have fallen a sacrifice to the relentless cruelty of the savages. 

Although Le Loup and his comrades had been frustrated in accom- 
plishing their design upon the family, and were not a little irritated and 
chagrined at the failure, yet their thirst for blood was not at all abated. 
After they had abandoned the undertaking, they passed rapidly onward 
with elastic step, in Indian file, winding along among the umbrageous forest 
trees. In about an hour from the time they started, they came in sight 
of a clearing upon which a dwelling stood, occupied by a family by the 
name of Allen. As the Indians neared the clearing, they slackened 
their pace, and as they approached still nearer, they used more caution 
— looking in every direction to see that they were not discovered, and 
finally, with muffled steps, they proceeded to the very edge of the for- 
est, in order to get a view of the premises. It was wheat harvest; the 
men were in the field reaping their grain. The Indians, after having 
rcconuoitered the place as well as they could, without being discovered 
from the field or the house, held a short consultation, and unanimously 
agreed, as it was near mid-day, to wait till the men in the field went in- 
to the house to dinner. They considered that time as the most favora- 
ble opportunity to approach the house undiscovered, and to perpetrate 
their diabolical design upon the family. 

From the house that the Indians had just left, Mr. Allen's dwelling 
was situated at the distance of about two miles, in a north-westerly di- 
rection, and about three-fourths of a mile north-easterly from the pres- 
ent South Argyle. The land upon which the house stood is now owned 
by Charles T. Fullerton, and is situated at the distance of about 20 rods 
in an easterly direction, on a rise of ground, from the residence of Mr. 
Fullerton, and about the same distance in a southerly direction from the 
dwelling of Archibald Armstrong, Jr. 

The time that has elapsed since the doomed family occupied the 
house has produced a great change in the vicinity where the house stood. 
The majestic forest trees that then stood in great profusion, have fallen 
one by one before the woodman's axe, and the place where they stood 



17 

is now occupied, at the same season of the year, by broad, green culti- 
vated fields. Then, where walked the surly bear, and prowled the hun- 
gry wolf, and screamed the spotted panther, noio may be seen flocks 
and herds luxuriating on the green, sloping hill-sides ; or the farmer 
swinging his cradle, its delicate fingers gathering the well-filled grain, 
cut by its broad, thin, gleaming blade ; or the mower bending and 
swaying to his scythe, its polished steel, as it moves to and fro, glisten- 
ing in the sunlight ; or the husbandman chirping to his team, as it hauls 
the heavily-laden wagon, groaning and creaking under the pressure of 
the golden sheaves of grain, or the fragrant new-made hay. 

Mr. John Allen's family, for the time being, consisted of nine per- 
sons, viz: — himself and Mrs. Allen, and three children, and temporarily 
residing in the family, Mrs. Allen's sister, two colored men and a col- 
ored woman. These colored people were slaves owned by Mr. George 
Kilmore, who was Mr. Allen's father-in-law. George Kilmore (or Yer- 
ry, the German name by which he was then called, George being the 
English of Yerry) resided in a northerly direction, at the distance of 
about three iniles from Mr. Allen's house. Mr. Kilmore's house was 
situated on the northern suburbs of the present Argyle Village, on the 
left bank of Moses Kill. The house is still standing, and though in a 
dilapidated condition, occupied by a family. The building has since 
undergone repairs within and without, but the hewn hemlock logs of 
which it was composed remain as they were originally placed. Its form 
and size were the same as that of my grandfather's before described, 
and it was probably built about the same time. About that time, Mr. Kil- 
more erected a small dwelling-house and a grist-mill, not far distant 
down the stream, to which the inhabitants from a great distance resorted 
to get their grain floured. He owned a large tract of land around his 
house, including that upon which Argyle Village now stands. The 
names of many of the descendents of Mr. Kilmore might be mentioned 
who are now residing in the township of Argyle and elsewhere, from 
grand-children down to great, great, great, great grand-children. These 
numerous descendants must feel particularly interested in reminiscences 
so nearly connected with their ancestral history. 

There appears to be some doubt respecting the precise day that the 
bloody scene was enacted, which we are about to describe, whether it- 
was on Friday, the 25th, or Saturday, the 26th of July. From the 
source of information mentioned in the beginning of this sketch, it was 
on the former of these days. From the fact of the contiguity of our 
informant to the scene, living at the time, and passing a long life only 
two miles distaut from the place, it is not likely there could be a 
mistake as to the time. Therefore, according to this information, the 
B 



18 

bloody scene transpired at 12 o'clock, M., on Friday, the 25th of July, 
1777. 

On Friday morning, Mr. Kilmore sent three slaves to assist his son- 
in-law harvest his wheat. Mrs. Allen's sister went along with them. — 
Whether the slave woman was assisting harvest the grain, or whether 
she was assisting about the domestic affairs of the house, is not known. 
The reapers were in the harvest-field when the Indians arrived, as be- 
fore related. 

It will be recollected that we left the Indians waiting till the reapers 
retired from the field to dinner. They had nothing to do but to wait 
quietly till the time arrived. All their paraphernalia of warfare had 
been put in order for the other occasion, as before related, and had not 
been used, and was still in readiness. The time fix d for the perpetra- 
tion of the deed was rapidly approaching. The prisoner made an 
earnest request that he might be allowed to remain behind, and 
not be compelled to witness the heart-rending scene. The Indians at 
first seemed disinclined to grant his request, but after the prisoner had 
made repeated earnest entreaties to spare his feelings, they finally con- 
sented to grant his request. Accordingly it was agreed that one of the 
Indians was to remain with him and guard him, while the others were to 
go forward and execute the deed. 

Hark ! the signal for dinner was announced from the house. The 
men retired from the field to the house. The family sat down to their 
last dinner. Little did they think that the signal inviting them to the 
table was also the signal for the approach of the messengers of death. 
But no time was now to be lost ; the Indians forthwith issued from 
the forest with all their hideousness and blood-thirstings, and approach- 
ed the house, and with a terrific yell, they But what followed can 

only be gathered from the different positions in which the different mem- 
bers of the family were found, as no eye saw it, save the All-Seeing 
Eye, and the eyes of the perpetrators of the deed. 

Although more than eighty-one years have elapsed since that time, 
and although the actors in that frightful scene have probably long since 
departed this life, yet even now, in attempting to describe the horrible 
scene that presented itself after the awful tragedy was enacted, the im- 
agination sickens, and a noticeable tremulousness of our pen may be 
observed as we write. 

Mr. Allen was found at the distance of a few rods in a northerly di- 
rection from the house, about midway between the house and barn. It 
is supposed that when alarmed by the Indians he had escaped through 
a back door or window, and had proceeded thus far when shot down by 
the Indians. Mrs. Allen, her sister, and the youngest child were found 



19 

in the same direction from the house with that of Mr. Allen, but near- 
er, and had probably got out of the house in the same way. It is likely 
that the women had hold of the child's hands, and were escaping with 
all possible speed when overtaken by the Indians — tomahawked and 
scalped. The other two children, when alarmed by the Indians, had 
secreted themselves in a bed, and were there found tomahawked and 
scalped. One of the colored men was found with his body in the house, 
his back downwards, his head protruding from the door, his neck across 
the threshold, his body gashed and mutilated in a horrible manner, his 
scalp torn off, and his lips skinned and turned back on his face and chin, 
thus presenting a shocking sight. From the numerous wounds found 
inflicted on his body, it is supposed he made a desperate resistance, and 
probably wounded some of the Indians, and in order to gratify their re- 
vengeful dispositions, they thus mutilated his body, and left it in this 
condition. The position in which the colored woman and the other col- 
ored man were found is not distinctly recollected. Thus, in and around 
the house, lay nine inanimate gory bodies, their scalps torn off, and their 
bloodshot eyes protruding fearfully from their sockets. 

The scene consisted of three stages, which passed in rapid succession : 
first, the family enjoying their noon-day repast in the full vigor of health 
and strength, utterly unconscious of any danger ; then, the foeman's 
shout — the report of muskets — the clangor of arms — the rattling of 
tomahawks and scalping knives — the hurry and confusion — the scream- 
ing and groaning — the writhings and agonies ; and then, all was still — 
the din of war had subsided — the savage yell had died away upon the 
breeze — the black mouthed guns had been silenced — the clangor of 
arms had ceased — the wailings and contortions were over — silence 
reigned, " emphatically the silence of death brooded over the scene." 
But it is painful longer to dwell on the horrible tragedy. 

Mr. Kilmore expected his daughter and slaves home on Friday eve- 
ning, but as they did not return at that time, he supposed that they had 
not finished harvesting the wheat, and that they would return in the fore 
part of the succeeding day. But hour after hour of that day passed 
away, and they did not return. Mr. Kilmore waited with the expecta- 
tion that they would make their appearance until it was too late to send, 
and ascertain the cause of their detention. On the next (Sabbath) 
morning he sent a colored lad on horseback to find out the reason why 
they were thus detained. As the boy approached the house, the keen- 
scented horse stopped, and refused to go forward — he smelled the blood 
of the slaughtered family. It was with the greatest difficulty that the 
horse was urged forward till his rider got a view of the appalling scene. 
He was not long in conveying the fearful tidings home. A few men in 



20 

the neighborhood of Mr. Kilmore's, assembled on that day and buried 
the dead.* The men, while performing the burial service, were greatly 
afraid of the return of the Indians. Whilst some stood with ri- 
fles in their hands, the others dug two graves, and spread a sheet in 
each, and deposited the bodies of the whites in one grave, and the blacks 
in the other. Although the plow now passes over the ground where the 
house stood, and where the graves were made, yet their situation can 
still be pointed out. Until recently, boards have been kept up at the 
graves to designate the spot.| Two aged apple trees stand near the 
place, and it is supposed they were young trees at the time the scene 
was enacted, if so, they are living witnesses of that eventful tragedy. 

On Monday evening following, the news of the massacre of the Allen 
family reached my great-grandfather's, who resided some two miles north 
'of Battenville, on what is latterly known as Dwellie's hill. When the 
information of the foul murder had arrived, the family thought it was 
more than probable that their near family relatives had also become the 
victims of savage cruelty, from the fact of their nearness to the mas- 
sacred family. In order to relieve the awful suspense under which the 
family labored, Archibald Campbell, my grandmother's brother, was 
determined to ascertain what might be the truth of the matter. He 
endeavored to get some one to accompany him in his undertaking, but 

* We were recently informed by Mrs. Robertson, (lately deceased,) who re- 
sided at Lakeville, that her father, Mr. Alex. McNaughton, was one of those who 
assisted at the interment of the massacred family 

f We might take the liberty to suggest that it would be an act of patriotism 
to erect a monument to the memory of this family. It is possible that the 
British arms might have been crowned with success, had it not been for the 
horrid cruelties perpetrated by the savages. The indignant patriots, on hearing 
of the atrocious conduct of the Indians, were fired with an extra stimulus, and 
were determined to make a desperate effort to avenge these cruelties, and to 
free themselves from the arbitrary domination of Great Britain. Not allowing 
their excited passions to cool, the Colonists, with all possible haste, rushed from 
the mountain sides and the intervening valleys, and from the extended plains, 
to the battlefield, and by their daring deeds of valor forced Gen. Burgoyne and 
his army into an unconditional surrender. This defeat exerted a deleterious 
effect upon the whole of the British arms in America, and eventually resulted in 
the withdrawal of the whole army. It is possible that the blood of the victims, 
shed by savage cruelty, sealed the fate of the American Revolution. Had it not 
been for the blood thus shed, the star-spangled banner of liberty might never 
have been unfurled to the breeze over a free and independent government, and 
the American eagle might never have soared aloft, and spread wide his pinions 
over a great and prosperous nation. In view of this consideration, would it not 
manifest a spirit of commendable patriotic zeal, for the citizens of Washington 
Count}' to erect a suitable monument to the memory of the family described 
above, whose lives have been sacrificed upon the National altar. 



21 

as no one seemed willing to go, he was about to start alone, when Mr. 
Neil Gillespie (whose daughter, Mrs. Bain, is still living at an advanced 
age in the township of Argyle), volunteered to accompany him. The 
two started on horseback, under the covert of the night and the forest 
trees — the distance being about four miles — with the expectation of 
bringing back — if, indeed, they came back — mournful tidings respecting 
the fate of the family. When they were within about half a mile of the 
clearing, they dismounted and tied their horses to trees, and proceeded 
on foot, in order to make as little noise as possible. They considered 
it expedient to approach the house with great caution ; for they were 
apprehensive that the family had been massacred, and that the Indians 
might still be lurking about the place, or had perhaps taken up a tern- 
porary resideucc in the house. As the two men crossed the stream on 
the south side of the house, they were not a little alarmed at hearing 
something that resembled the groans of a person. This groaning, inter- 
mingling with the murmuring of the water in the stillness of the night, 
sounded dolefully upon their ears. They supposed that the family had 
been murdered, and that the groans proceeded from some of the mem- 
bers of it who had been left for dead. But on a more particular exam- 
ination, thay ascertained that the noise proceeded from a swine sty, and 
was occasioned by the snoring of its inmates. P]ncouraged by this 
discovery, they went forward to the barnyard, and there found the 
cattle lying, quietly chewing their cuds. They looked upon this as a 
good sign that all was safe. They proceeded to the gate that led to the 
house, and found it shut. They considered this another good sign ; for 
if the Indians had been there, they would likely have left the gate open, 
and all would have been in confusion. And finally, they groped their 
way to the house, and found its inmates sleeping soundly — unconscious 
of any danger. This was the first intimation of the probable danger 
they had been in, and of what had befallen the Allen family. But as 
yet they knew nothing about the council of Indians that had convened a 
few rods from the house for the purpose of determining their fate. 

Although the family were not fully aware of the great danger they 
had been in, yet they knew sufficient to alarm them greatly. Without 
delay, they arranged their affairs as well as they could, and started that 
night for Duncan Campbell's. They put the children on the horses, 
and groping their way through the dense forest, arrived in safety at the 
place of destination. 

Dismayed and terrified, the settlers no longer relied upon Burgoyne's 
promised protection. The panic-stricken patriots and loyalists, on 
hearing of the massacre of the Allen family, and other similar depreda- 
tions committed by the Indians, fled with all possible speed to some 
place of protection. 



22 

At this time, a few families had taken up their residence at the head 
of the Cossayuna Lake, and in that vicinity. On the northern margin 
of the Lake, one of these families lived, whose name was McEachron. 
The maternal head of this household was a daughter of Mr. George 
Kilmore, and a sister of Mrs. Allen's, whose melancholy fate is recorded 
on a preceding page. The lineal descendants of Peter McEaehron's 
family reside, at the present day, only a few feet distant from the same 
place. 

On hearing of the direful calamity that had befallen their near rela- 
tives, this family, with the others in the immediate neighborhood, 
resorted without delay to the Cossayuna Island, as the nearest place of 
comparative safety. This island, as before stated, was situated toward 
the northern extremity of the lake, and nearly equi-distant, about 150 
rods, from the west, north and east shore of the lake ; and toward the 
south the lake extended to the distance of some two or three miles. 

These terror-stricken families disposed of their temporalities as well 
as they could ; and taking along with them such of their effects as could 
be easily removed, including some of the smallest of their domestic 
animals, they removed to the island, and there encamped for the space 
of two or three weeks. In choosing a location for their encampment, 
they were particularly careful to select a spot that was well screened by 
the thick foliage of the surrounding forest trees, in order to prevent 
exposure from the lake shore. During the time they sojourned there, 
they were continually apprehensive that they would be ferreted out by 
the keen-scented savages. In order to secure their safety, if possible, 
they took turns in standing sentinels, especially during the silent watches 
of the night. The sentinels were stationed so that they could have a 
commanding view in all directions ; and if the Indians attempted to ap- 
proach the island with stealth and muffled oars, they could give the 
alarm to their companions, and thus be prepared to make a defense. 
The party on the island deemed it necessary to keep as quiet as pos- 
sible, so as not to attract the attention of the Indians. They used every 
means in their power to prevent the wailing of their younger children, 
and the boisterousness of those that were older ; the barking of their 
hunting dogs, and the crowing and cackling of their fowls. For they 
were fearful that the noise occasioned by their bipeds and quadrupeds 
would reveal their whereabouts to the lurking savages. But when Bur- 
goyne had left Fort Edward, and the Indians had disappeared from 
around the lake, these families cautiously returned to their former 
homes. 

Most of the families residing along the On-da-wa, or Batten Kill, and 
in that vicinity, went to Fort Edward, and among them was our ances- 

LOFC, 



tral family. After the different families had arranged their respective 
affairs as hastily as possible, they assembled and started for Fort Edward, 
lakiug along with them some indispensable necessaries, and driving their 
cattle before them. The company went by way of my grandfather's, 
and thence to the place where the Allen family were murdered. There 
the party made a halt, and took a melancholy view of the place where 
the bloody tragedy had been so recently enacted. Among other things 
that attracted their notice, was a bloody cap — with a long cut in it, 
made by the blade of a tomahawk — lying on a stump, that had been 
worn by one of the family at the time of the murder. After taking a 
brief survey of the place, they hastened on towards the encampment. 

Mr. Alexander Livingstone, in all probability, is the only surviving 
member of that party. He was eight years of age at that time, and 
resided with his father on the right bank of Batten Kill, and now resides 
not far distant from the same place. Many of the incidents of the 
Revolution are still fresh on his memory, particularly those occurring on 
the journeying of the said party to Fort Edward. Among other things 
related by him in a conversation we recently had with him, was the cir- 
cumstance of meeting a party of Indians, whose hostile and ferocious 
appearance greatly alarmed the company. On meeting the Indians, the 
foremost of the company, who were driving the cattle, turned back to 
the rest of the party, in order that they might be together, and en- 
courage each other. But the Indians did them no harm. 

That company, thus journeying amid the implanted forest trees, the 
denizens of the forest prowling around them, and bands of fierce ma- 
rauders encompassiog them about, may, in some respects, be compared 
to the children of Israel journeying in the wilderness, the wild beasts 
lurking about them, and all kinds of noxious insects annoying them, the 
Amalekites rushing down from the mountain sides upon them, and wild 
wandering hordes constantly attacking them. And well might that 
company who were journeying to Fort Edward, sing, as Moses did when 
the Israelites were journeying to the promised land, " Lord, thou hast 
been our dwelling-place in all generations." But to return to Le Loup 
and his party. 

After the Indians had victimized the family — plundered the house, 
and satisfied their curiosity — they triumphantly marched off with the 
nine gory scalps dangling from their war-belts. They exulted more 
over the scalps of the slain, and attached a greater degree of honor to 
these barbarous badges of victory, than the possession of the living per- 
sons of their enemies. Hence their captive, aware of this characteristic 
of the Indians, was in constant dread lest they might become weary of 
conducting him along in person, and come to the conclusion that it 



24 

would be more honorable and convenient to take his scalp and leave his 
body. 

From Friday afternoon, the 25th of July, until Sabbath morning fol- 
lowing, the whereabouts of Le Loup and his band can not now be 
designated. But on that morning they made their appearance on the 
brow of the hill north of Fort Edward, and then and there a shocking 
tragedy was enacted ; and well may it be said, in reference to it, that 
" truth is stranger than fiction." It was the massacre of Miss Jane 
McCrea, an amiable and intelligent lady, under peculiar circumstances 
She was attired in her wedding, dress, and about to be joined in mar- 
riage to Mr. David Jones, who was an officer in the British army. The 
historions of the Revolution have dwelt upon that massacre with melan- 
choly interest. It has furnished a theme for the touching ballad, and a 
subject for the limners' pencil to depict. Owing, however, to ex parte 
statements — to the confusion and din of war, and conflicting interests 
existing at the time the scene was enacted — contradictory versions of 
that lamentable affair have been made. The British, on the one hand, 
endeavored to smooth over and palliate that tragic scene, and exculpate 
themselves from having any instrumentality in bringing it about; whilst 
the Americans, on the other hand, seized upon it with avidity, and in 
their eagerness to make capital out of it, perhaps somewhat exaggerated 
it.* 

It is believed that the following may be relied upon, which we had 
from the source already mentioned, and from a work entitled, " The 
Life of Jane McCrea," by Mr. David Wilson, who seems to have spared 
no pains in collecting the facts from aged people residing in the vicinity 
where the incident occurred. But as " The Life of Jane McCrea" is 
interwoven with " Burgoyne's Expedition in 1777," it is proposed in 
this place to give a brief description of the parties, and circumstances 
immediately connected with that bloody tragedy. 

Jane McCrea was born about the year 1757. She was the daughter 
of a Presbyterian clergyman, who emigrated from Scotland and settled 
in New Jersey shortly anterior to the above date. At a tender age she 

* For instance, in a letter addressed to Gen. Burgoyne by Gen. Gates, in 
which, after alluding to the massacre of Jane McCrea and others by the Indians, 
he directly accuses Gen. Burgoyne with paying a bounty for scalps. But it ap- 
pears from his reply, as well as from his speech at theBoquet, that the allegation 
was not strictly true ; but still, at the same time, inasmuch as Burgoyne con- 
sented to act with those savage allies, and promised them a reward for prisoners, 
and as he was aware of their uncontrollable passion for scalps — of the great 
honor they attached to these badges of conrpjest — the charge made by Gen. 
Gates was in one sense true. 



25 

was deprived of the care and solicitude of an affectionate mother, who 
was removed by death. When about 16 years of age, she was left an 
orphan. Shortly after her father's death, she went to reside with her 
brother, John McCrea, who had settled on the right bank of the Hud- 
son river, not far distant south of Fort Edward. Miss McCrea possessed 
a natural desire for the acquisition of substantial knowledge, and her 
father's well filled library furnished ample materials for the gratification 
of her predominant propensity. The free access to her father's library 
and the moral and religious parental instruction which she received, 
rendered her intelligent beyond her years. Her natural and acquired 
abilities were above mediocrity. In person she was the medium size, 
and symmetrically formed. It has been said that her hair was so long 
and exuberant, that when unconfined, it trailed on the floor upon which 
she walked. In personal appearance she was uncommonly beautiful 
and prepossessing. Gen. Grates, having occasion to speak of her, 
represents her as " a young lady lovely to the sight, of virtuous char- 
acter and amiable disposition." And in his Field Book, Lossing de- 
scribes her as " so .graceful in manners, and so intelligent in features, 
that she was the favorite of all who knew her." 

Shortly after John McCrea went to reside on the bank of the Hudson, 
a family by the name of Jones settled on the same bank of the river — 
a few miles further north — who had been friends and neighbors in New 
Jersey. The younger members of the families had been brought up 
from childhood together. An early intimacy existed between David 
Jones and Jane McCrea, and on the banks of the Hudson it ripened 
into affection. David Jones, in person, was handsome and well formed. 
He was " gay, social and brave," of pleasing address and a generous dis- 
position. The many ennobling traits of character with which he was 
possessed, rendered him an object of respect among his male companions, 
and of favor among the other sex. 

From the commencement of the difficulties between the Colonies and 
Great Britain, David Jones leaned to the loyalist side, whilst John 
McCrea favored the other. The former, however, concealed his views 
from motives of expediency. He did not wish to take any step that 
would endanger the pending matrimonial suit that he was prosecuting 
with so much vigor. The suitors had frequent interviews. Their at- 
tachment to each other grew stronger and stronger. They looked 
forward with joyful anticipations to the day, as not far distant, when 
they would voluntarily ratify their plighted faith upon the hymeneal 
altar. 

In the meantime, the difficulties increased between the two countries. 
As the war progressed, the prospective brothers-in-law became more 



26 

and more confirmed in the respective principles they had espoused. 
John McCrea had already enlisted under the patriot banner — had en- 
dured the toils and privations of a winter's campaign in Canada — had 
been promoted to the rank of colonel — and had returned home, dis- 
heartened and discouraged at the signal defeat of the Colonists. David 
Jones, on hearing of the expected arrival of a formidable army at Que- 
bec, under the command of Gen. Burgoyne, resolved to join the Royal 
army. He made known this resolution to the affectionate maiden, to 
which she reluctantly consented. He confidently represented to her 
that the Colonists could not long resist the powerful arm of Great 
Britain, and that peace would soon be restored, and that then they 
would be joined in happy wedlock. 

Accordingly, late in the autumn of 1776, David Jones started for 
the purpose of enlisting under the standard of the King. On reaching 
Crown Point, he awaited the arrival of Gen. Burgoyne. When the 
army arrived, it encamped, and received the Indian allies, according to 
previous arrangement, as before related. The manly form and prepos- 
sessing exterior of David Jones procured for him the office of Lieutenant 
in Gen. Frazer's division. He accompanied the victorious army toward 
the place of its destination. In the meantime, the lovers found means 
of conveying letters to and from each other, which breathed a spirit of 
unabating affection. 

In order to present an intelligible view of the bloody scene we are 
about to relate, it will be necessary to describe the relative positions of 
the belligerent armies, and of the parties immediately connected with the 
affair. The van of the British army — among whom was Lieut. Jones — 
had encamped near a place called Moss Street, which was about four 
miles from Fort Edward. Burgoyne was with the remainder of the army 
a short distance in the rear. The main body of the American army 
had abandoned Fort Edward, and marched down the left bank of the 
Hudson, and had encamped at Moses Kill. The garrison left in com- 
mand of the fort had stationed a picket-guard, in sight of the fortress, 
to watch the approach of the enemy, which was daily expected, as the 
garrison intended to evacuate the Fort on the approach of the British 
army. Mrs. McNeil's house, ia which Jane McCrea was temporarily 
residing, and from which she was taken captive, is still to be seen near 
the principal street of the village. "It is a small, antiquated looking 
building, built after the prevailing fashion of those times, presenting a 
striking contrast with its princely neighbors." In front stands an aged, 
gigantic elm — a living witness of the stirring scenes of the Revolution. 

John McCrea resided a mile or two down the river from the Fort, 
and on the opposite bank. He was about to remove his family to 



27 

Albany, and expected his sister to accompany him thither. He was 
already awaiting her return from Mrs. McNeil's. That being the state 
of affairs, and adverse as they were, Lieut. Jones looked upon it as the 
most favorable time to have the marriage ceremony performed, as the 
termination of the war might leave the parties forever separated. But 
how was it to be accomplished ? It could not take place at Col. 
McCrea's, for they had then become warm antagonistic partisans. 
Neither could it take place at Mrs. McNeil's, for his appearance there 
would have resulted in almost certain capture, as he was well known in 
that vicinity — indeed, it would have been unsafe for him to have ap- 
peared beyond the British outposts. In view of these difficulties, Lieut. 
Jones made a proposition, and communicated the same to the affection- 
ate maiden, which was substantially as follows : " I will send a party of 
Indians, under the control of an Indian chief by the name of Duluth, in 
whom I place the utmost confidence, with the assurance of giving him a 
liberal reward. I will instruct the party of Indians to proceed noise- 
lessly and stealthily among the thickets, taking care not to be seen from 
the Fort, or the picket guard on the brow of the hill. I will instruct 
them to display a signal agreed upon, that can be seen from Mrs. 
McNeil's cottage. On discovering such signal, you will start in the 
direction of the British camp, as if going to a neighboring house. The 
Indians will keep pace with you, and serve as an invisible escort, not 
making their appearance unless you are in actual danger. You will 
thus be conducted until you are fairly within the British lines, when I 
will meet you in person, and escort you to the camp, where a chaplain 
will be in readiness to perform the marriage ceremony, and then you 
can remain with the officers' ladies, or stay for a time with Mrs. 
McNeil." This proposition was presented to the fair maiden for ac- 
ceptance or rejection. She was in a dilemma. Her brother had sent a 
messenger to ascertain the cause of her detention. It was necessary to 
keep him in ignorance of the real cause of delay. But the time had 
come when she must choose the one or the other alternative of this 
dilemma. She was unwilling to take any step that would mar brotherly 
love on the one hand, or sexual love on the other. She finally, though 
reluctantly, under existing circumstances, accepted of the proffered 
proposition. 

Accordingly, Duluth and his party, faithful to their instructions, 
appeared in the thicket and displayed the signal. The bride, adorned 
for her husband, had been anxiously awaiting the appearance of the 
sign. Forthwith she issued from the humble mansion, and directed her 
Steps toward the British camp. Such an act of courage and intrepidity 
may be looked upon at the present day as bordering upon imprudence 



28 

and masculine boldness. But at that time a female apparently passing 
from one neighbor to another, even between the contending armies, 
would not likely be molested. According to tradition, the bride herself 
" laughed at the idea of personal danger, and characterized it as ' a true 
love scheme.'' " If she had started at any other time, even a few 
minutes sooner or later, in all probability she would have passed un- 
harmed. But just as she was ascending the hill, Le Loup and his 
party made their appearance on the hill, as before related, and made a 
violent attack upon the picket guard, and slew the captain, and the 
remainder fled precipitately in the direction of the Fort. The affrighted 
girl also fled with them, the Indians hotly pursuing them, and observing 
her run into Mrs. McNeil's, pursued and seized her and Mrs. McNeil, 
dragging them out of the house, and put the trembling girl on a horse ; 
Mrs. McNeil being too corpulent for that mode of conveyance, they 
hurried her along on foot iu the direction of the British camp. On the 
west side of the eminence upon which the picket guard was stationed, 
stood a majestic pine, at the base of which gurgled a clear, cool spring. 
At this place the Indians and their captives had arrived, when Duluth, 
obedient to his instructions, made his appearance and claimed to be the 
protector of the fair maiden. Le Loup claimed her as his rightful 
captive. Both chiefs resolutely maintained their supposed rights. 
Angry words passed between them. Neither would yield. A violent 
altercation ensued. By this time a body of men had issued from the 
Fortress in pursuit of the Indians that had attacked the picket guard. 
Bullets were already whistling over the Indians' heads. No time was 
now to be lost. Duluth seized the horse's reins upon which the captive 
rode, and attempted to lead him away — whereupon Le Loup, the wolf, 
in a violent parox} 7 sm of rage, snatched his tomahawk from his belt, and 
hurled its glittering blade deep into the maiden's side. She fell from 
the horse. That long glossy hair that had been so recently arranged 
with more than ordinary care at the toilet, Le Loup grasped with the 
long, swarthy fingers of his left hand, and seizing his scalping knife 
with the other, quickly severed the scalp, and brandished it in the air, 
littering a yell of savage exultation. 

"When the gory scalp was presented to Lieut. Jones, he looked at it 
with a ghastly vacant stare ; he spoke not, he wept not — his grief was 
so withering that the fountain of tears was dried up. From that day he 
was a changed man. Hitherto he was cheerful and fond of social 
entertainment, and delighted in scenes of festivity and hilarity. Hence- 
forth, like the lone pelican of the wilderness, he lived a solitary and 
secluded life. His hopes were blasted, his heart broken, and he sunk 
into the grave under the pressure of the most pungent grief. 



29 

When Col. McCrea was informed of the melancholy fate of his sister, 
he was overwhelmed with grief. He never fully recovered from that 
heart-rending bereavement. Not long since we were informed by Mrs. 
Kobertson, to whom a reference has been made before in a foot-note, 
and who was a niece of John McCrea, that she had often heard her uncle 
speak of the cruel death of his sister, but never without shedding tears. 
The brave Colonel could recount the bloody scenes of the battle-field — 
of the leaden messengers of death whistling past his ears — of his com- 
rades falling here and there around him — of garments rolled in blood — 
with comparative composure ; but when he came to speak of the violent 
death of his sister, his only sister, the big tears chased each other in 
rapid succession down' his care-worn and furrowed cheeks. 

My grandmother had two brothers, James and Alexander Campbell, 
who were officers in the British army, and were in the camp at the time 
the scalps of the Allen family and Miss McCrea were brought into the 
encampment by the Indians. As the Campbells were well acquainted 
with that family, they recognized the scalps from the color of the hair ; 
and they supposed, from the fact of the contiguity of their sister's 
family to that of Mr. Allen's, that they were also massacred. But they 
ascertained from Le Loup's captive that their relatives were safe, but 
of their narrow escape — of the council of war that was held over their 
destiny, as before related. Before closing this sketch, there is one 
other incident that is perhaps worth relating. 

An aged Indian was present when the scalps of the Allen family and 
Miss McCrea were brought into the British camp. The frosts of 
seventy winters had softened his cruel and barbarous passions — so char- 
acteristic of his race— into feelings of justice and humanity. After 
looking thoughtfully and demurely for a moment at the bloody scalps, 
he uttered the following remarkable prophecy : " That army can not 
prosper, that tolerates taking the scalps of women and little children." 
Whether this prophecy was spoken in reference to the whole of the 
British army in America, or whether in reference to that division of the 
army under the command of Gen. Burgoyne, is not now known; in 
either case, however, it was fulfilled, but more especially in reference to 
the latter. A prediction coming from such a source — from an untu- 
tored savage — predicated upon the toleration of inhumanity, was indeed 
a withering rebuke to the civilized British troops. 

At the time that prediction was uttered there was but little prospect 
of its being fulfilled. The patriots were discouraged, and were retiring 
before the prowess of the British arms. The officers of the British 
army were confidently asserting the success of the royal cause. Bur- 
goyne represented the British armies and fleets as amply sufficient " to 



30 

crush every part of America." When the loyalists complained of tho 
frequent massacres committed by the Indians, and demanded protection, 
Brigadier- General Frazer remarked, " It is a conquered country, and 
we must wink at these things." The royal army started from Canada 
under the most auspicious circumstances. The gallant commander, 
Gen. Burgoyne, was an experienced and celebrated officer. Tho 
British government had employed him, some fifteen years prior to that 
time, in an official capacity in the wars with the Portuguese and Span- 
iards, and had entrusted him with many other important offices. His 
government reposed in him the utmost confidence. He set out from 
Canada with a formidable army, with the prospect of a brilliant cam- 
paign. He marched his army triumphantly toward the place of its 
destination, the enemy disappearing before him, like the morning dew 
before the rising sun. On the arrival of the royal army at Fort Edward, 
it was " seized with a delirium of joy." To reach this point was an 
object long looked forward to with joyful anticipation. " Now tho 
whole army shared in the ardor and hopes of its chiefs ; not a doubt 
was entertained of an approaching triumph, and the conquest of 
America." 

The speedy fulfillment of the old Indian's prediction is worthy of 
notice. No sooner was it uttered than it was being verified. When at 
Fort Edward, the British army, being in need of ammunition and pro- 
vision, Gen. Burgoyne was informed that the Americans had a con- 
siderable amount of military stores and provisions at Bennington, and 
in order to secure them, he sent Col. Baum with about a thousand 
German troops and a hundred Indians. But when he was within seven 
miles of Bennington, he learned that the Colonists were more strongly 
intrenched than was expected. He halted and awaited further orders. 
Gen. Burgoyne sent a reinforcement of five hundred German troops, 
but before they arrived, the Americans, under Gen. Stark, made an 
attack on Col. Baum and defeated him. The pursuit of the Patriots 
was for a moment checked by the arrival of the reinforcement ; but 
even the army as reinforced, was soon compelled to make a precipitate 
retreat, with the loss of their general and six hundred men killed and 
prisoners, and a quantity of military equipments. This was the begin- 
ning of the fulfillment of the old Indian's prophecy. 

Leaving Fort Edward, Gen. Burgoyne proceeded slowly down the 
river with his troops, with the expectation of effecting a junction at 
Albany with the army under St. Leger, but the former meeting the 
Colonial army under the command of Gen. Gates, when within about 
twenty-two miles of Albany, a severe battle ensued. Both armies had 
suffered so intensely that neither chose to renew the battle the succeed- 



31 

ing day. About three weeks after, a second battle was fought, in 
which the Americans were victorious. Gen. Burgoyne, with his troops 
retreated to Saratoga ; and shortly after, finding himself hemmed in on 
all sides, was obliged to surrender the entire army on the 18th of 
October. 

Thus the proud and haughty General, that represented the British 
troops as amply sufficient " to crush every part of America," was soon 
forced to yield. The time that perdiction was uttered, marked the 
epoch when Burgoyne's military glory had risen to its meridian splen- 
dor ; henceforth it rapidly declined, to set upon the plains of Saratoga, 
to rise no more. That well-disciplined army, that started from the 
north under so many flattering auspices, with the expectation of speedily 
beholding " a conquered country, 1 ' was soon compelled to submit to the 
humiliation and degradation of an unconditional surrender. Those fur- 
bished arms, glistening in the sun-light upon the shoulders of the British 
soldiers, were so soon to be grounded in presence of the enemy. That 
flag that floated so proudly and triumphantly in the breeze, was so soon 
to be trailed low in Saratoga's dust. 

Thus the old Indian's prophecy was literally fulfilled. The time it 
was uttered marked the precise time between the prosperity and ad- 
versity of Burgoyne and his army. 

As to Lc Loup, the wolf, after he had performed the tragic scenes 
upon the stage of time, as recorded above, the curtain drops, never 
again to be drawn ; henceforth time's oblivious shades have obliterated 
his pathway — his subsequent history is shrouded in mystery. It is not 
known whether he joined the expedition to Bennington — or whether he 
accompanied Burgoyne, and was with him when he surrendered at 
Saratoga — or whether, after being severely reprimanded by Gen. Bur- 
goyne for his cruel and barbarous conduct, he deserted and returned to 
his forest home, there to arrange the numerous scalps, taken in his 
peregrinations, in some conspicuous place upon the walls of his wigwam, 
upon which, in after times, to gloat his savage eyes and gratify his 
morbid sensibility, and to exhibit to his fellow-warriors those badges of 
victory as honorable trophies of his valor and intrepidity, and to boast 
of them exultingly at the war-dances of his tribe. Whatever may have 
been his latent history, it is more than probable that long since " his 
spirit has departed to the realms of the red man's immortality.'' 

No crowds throng round, no anthem notes ascend. 
To bless his coming and embalm his end ; 
Even that he lived, is l'or his conqueror's tongue — 
By foeH alone his death-song must be Ming. 



